Formal complaint: Prohibited speech, expression and conduct
Complainant filed an online complaint alleging that an Austin police officer wrote a rude and unprofessional post on an app.
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CHICK
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
ICMS #: 2020-0399
April 16, 2020
Complaint: From OPO online complaint form: I'm not sure if there is anything that can be done
but Officer
had a post on the
app that some of us found
a little bit rude/not the right choice of words. I DO have a screen shot but I'm not sure how to
attach it. His post said "Not sure what bothers me the most the ignorance of those asking and
commenting or the arrogance of those offering. Go ahead and spread the virus, I mean after all no
one is going to die. not only is there no cure for the virus but we currently do not have a cure for
stupid." We feel that this wording, especially from an Officer, is not comforting. His response is
insulting. I of course understand it is impossible to be professional at all times but it is not
necessary or okay to tell people that they are ignorant for asking questions and not knowing things.
He needs to be reminded about how to handle situations.
This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an investigation in
order to determine if the employee conduct is within compliance of APD policy, Civil Service
Rules, and Municipal Civil Service Rules.
Recommended Administrative Policies to Review (to include but not limited to):
972.4 PROHIBITED SPEECH, EXPRESSION AND CONDUCT
(b) Speech or expression that, while not made pursuant to an official duty, is significantly
linked to, or related to, the Austin Police Department and tends to compromise or damage
the mission, function, reputation or professionalism of the Austin Police Department or its
employees.
(e) Speech or expression that is contrary to the canons of the Law Enforcement Code of
Ethics as adopted by the Austin Police Department
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation
on the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends that this allegation receive an A classification.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.